College of Nursing Carolina Cares Cupboard

An empty stomach and lack of sleep from working 3 jobs should not be the reason our
students and future nurse leaders struggle in a course or on an important exam. When
the College of Nursing’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity learned of students
struggling with needs of food, hygiene products, and clothing, their office looked
for ways to reduce these barriers for vulnerable students. Associate Dean for Diversity,
Equity, and Inclusivity, Dr. Coretta Jenerette worked in collaboration with student
services and community partner, Brookland Baptist Church, to establish the College
of Nursing Carolina Cares Cupboard.

“The Carolina Cares Cupboard initiative is important because it reflects our commitment
to caring and providing resources to support the success of our students,” Jenerette
says.

Through faculty and staff donations and a food drive at Brookland Baptist Church,
the Cupboard opened to College of Nursing students at the beginning of the fall semester.
A need-based nursing student is able to fill out a confidential form available online
as well as in the DEI office to access a variety of items that support their essential
everyday needs.

“These resources support students so they can focus on academics, and this enhances
their potential for success,” Jenerette says.

The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity hopes to expand the Cupboard and
offer unique resources for students in need. Jenerette is currently working to host
a guest speaker on the topic of dressing for success, highlighting free resources
such as the Cupboard and less expensive stores like Goodwill and the Salvation Army.